Purchasing Your First Sewing Machine for Your Child

1. Buy from a Reputable Dealer When You Can

This is the single most important piece of advice I give parents. Buying from a reputable sewing machine dealer — even if it costs a little more — means you are also paying for service, support, and expertise over the life of the machine. Many dealers will also offer a trade-up program: if your child falls in love with sewing and outgrows the starter machine within a year, you can put that purchase toward something with more features. That kind of peace of mind is worth a lot.

2. Set Your Budget First, Then Shop

Machines start at around $100 and go up from there as features are added. Decide what you are comfortable spending before you start shopping — that way you can focus on finding the best machine within your range rather than getting overwhelmed by options outside it. A $150–$200 machine from a good brand is more than enough for a child to learn everything they need in their first year of sewing.

3. Mechanical vs. Computerized — Know the Difference

Mechanical machines use knobs, dials, and levers to select stitches and adjust settings. Computerized machines have a digital display panel and buttons. For children just starting out, either works well. Mechanical machines are often more durable and easier to troubleshoot. Computerized machines can be more intuitive once a child is comfortable with the basics. I recommend starting with a good mechanical machine and moving to computerized when the sewer is ready for more.

4. Think About the Stitches

You don't need a machine with 200 stitches for a beginner — but a few key ones make a real difference. Ask a sewing teacher or experienced sewer in your family what features matter. Here are the ones I personally love on my machine and recommend looking for:

5. Don't Forget the Tools

The machine is just the beginning. Make sure your young sewer also has the basic tools they need to actually use it. A good starter kit includes:

• Sharp fabric scissors (and a pair designated for fabric only — not paper)
• Straight pins and a pincushion
• Extra bobbins for the machine
• Sewing machine needles in several sizes
• Good quality thread — don't skimp here; cheap thread causes endless frustration
• Hand sewing needles
• Fabric marking pencil or chalk
• Seam ripper — every sewer needs one, and it teaches that mistakes are fixable
• Tape measure

All of these are available at JoAnn Fabrics in Brookhaven — a quick trip before the first lesson makes a big difference.

6. Keep Up with Lessons

When lessons fit into your schedule, keep signing your child up. There is so much to learn, and my young sewers love their classes — creativity flows, personal flair is woven into every project, and the pride of making something with their own hands never gets old. The machine at home is the practice ground; the lesson is where the real learning happens.

7. Add Some Great Books

If getting to lessons isn't always possible, a good sewing book keeps the momentum going at home. One of my personal favorites for young sewers is We Love to Sew by Annabel Wrigley — part of C&T Publishing's Fun Stitch Studio collection. Every book in that series is packed with projects that inspire young sewers and get them creating between lessons. Highly recommended for any child who catches the sewing bug.